I think what serialdeviant was referring to is a Christmas cactus but they don't have green flowers. Anyway they are really pretty and my mom is addicted to them.

I have one of these, the flowers bloom pink! They look like a regular suculant (sp? the cacti withouth the spikes) except around christmas time, then they bloom. I forget to water mine all the time and it's managed to not only stay alive but after the leaves started to wilt i put it in intensive care (okay, so i watered it all the time for a week straight) but it revives itself very easily.

I so don't understand moms who hate their children's so. I have a son who has a girlfriend, she takes her cue about how to act towards me, from me! As long as my child is happy and not being smacked around or verbally abused....it's all good!

I can tell you that one of my favorite gifts was a container of bamboo. Really easy to care for, grows well and I enjoy it.

A movie box is nice too. Some candy, popcorn and a gift certificate for a movie would be nice I think. Let her pick out the movie.

what i do for christmas for my evil stepmom is get her something inexpensive and thoughtless. I mean, i gave her a gift, and she cant complain about that, and if she comes to me saying its bad, i can act like i thought she would really like it.

ah yes, the good old "my bfs mum hates me". its not always hate. its jealousy.and sadly sometimes it doesnt get any better. my dads mother hates my mum... and has done so for 22years now. at the end of the day keep trying, there will be people who see the stuff you give her (and make sure your vocal about it to his family ie I brought her that vase, isnt it pretty?) and who like it and realise shes just being selfish. If your mans worth it youll be fine. Good luck and dont take what she says to heart, shes found your weakness and will exploit it

Since you're not married, and you and she have a strained relationship, I second the "have him give her something" option. I lucked out and love my MIL, but I do have a rather spiteful and manipulative stepmom...trick is, if I ignore her at holidays, I have to ignore my Dad, too, else she'll make his life a living hell (did I mention spiteful and manipulative?). So I get her cards that wish her a happy whatever, and at the same time, don't say anything personal. Every time I try to give her something I know she likes, she magically doesn't like that thing anymore. So I give up. If she wants to be miserable, that's her lot, not mine. Encourage your boy to have the relationship he wants with her, remind him when her birthday is, and sign the card. Oh, and if you dislike her as much as she dislikes you, don't invite her to dinner...that just makes you both miserable! If anything, arrange a meal out, potentially with just your boy and her...play it like special time for the two of them, with your support and blessing. Be the bigger person.